Name: The Overnight
Genre: Horror
Released: 2022-06-03T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Zebedee Row, Rajeev Varma, Brittany Clark, James Lorinz, Justin L. Wilson

There’s a moment in The Overnight (2015) when Adam Scott’s character, Alex, hesitates to skinny-dip with the eccentric couple Kurt and Charlotte, played by Jason Schwartzman and Judith Godrèche. His discomfort is palpable, and it’s a scene that captures the film’s uneasy tension between comedy and cringe, where every joke feels like it’s walking a razor’s edge between witty and awkward.

Director Patrick Brice’s film is a neon-lit fever dream of a sex comedy, one that leans into its discomfort rather than shying away from it. The premise—new Los Angeles transplants Alex and Emily (Taylor Schilling) stumble into an evening of unexpected intimacy with their new acquaintances Kurt and Charlotte—is simple, but the execution is anything but. Brice’s direction keeps the camera close, trapping the characters in tight frames that amplify the claustrophobia of the situation. The film’s lighting, bathed in the eerie glow of poolside neon and dimly lit interiors, adds to its dreamlike quality, making it feel like a fever dream that never quite resolves.

The performances are where The Overnight shines brightest. Adam Scott is perfectly cast as Alex, his natural awkwardness playing well against Schwartzman’s unhinged charm. Scott’s performance is a masterclass in physical comedy, from his hesitant glances to the way he carries himself with an air of perpetual unease. Taylor Schilling holds her own as Emily, grounding the film in moments of genuine vulnerability. Her chemistry with Scott feels electric, even when the script stumbles into moments that feel more forced than funny. Judith Godrèche brings a playful unpredictability to Charlotte, making her character both alluring and unsettling in equal measure.

Jason Schwartzman’s performance as Kurt is a standout. He embodies the role with a mix of charisma and unpredictability, making it clear from the start that Kurt is not someone to be trusted. Schwartzman’s delivery of lines like “I’m attracted to you” is delivered with such deadpan sincerity that it’s hard not to laugh, even as the tension in the room grows palpable.

But where the film falters is in its pacing and narrative cohesion. The first half of The Overnight moves with the kind of meandering energy that keeps you on your toes, but as it progresses, the jokes start to feel repetitive, and the tension dissipates. The film’s exploration of monogamy and sexual identity is undeniably bold for a mainstream comedy, but its humor often feels surface-level, never quite digging deep enough into the themes it raises.

The Overnight probably couldn’t have gone on too much longer—at some point, the sun has to come up—and it may not stay with you for long after it’s over. But sex is complicated, and what makes The Overnight so unique in this regard is that it doesn’t offer any easy answers or solutions; it simply presents the scenario as it is.

The film’s exploration of sexual desires outside of monogamy brings to light a harsh truth that many would quietly acknowledge. It’s sparked by the idea of that freedom, and the characters’ reactions are what make this film so intriguing. The Overnight doesn’t shy away from exploring these themes, and its willingness to tackle such taboo subjects is commendable.

However, the film’s humor only goes surface deep. While it’s undeniably funny in places, the jokes often feel like they’re trying too hard to be edgy or shocking rather than genuinely insightful. The script, written by Brice, has moments of brilliance—scenes that linger in your mind long after the credits roll—but it’s ultimately a film that can’t sustain its own momentum.

The Overnight is a wild, neon fever of film that hangs somewhere between a dream and a nightmare. It’s not for everyone, but those who appreciate its unique blend of humor and discomfort will find plenty to enjoy. The film’s originality is undeniable, even if it doesn’t always hit the mark.

The Overnight had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2015, and was then released in a limited release on June 19, 2015, by The Orchard. It screened at numerous film festivals, including SXSW, Tribeca, and Edinburgh, earning critical acclaim along the way.

The Overnight is a film that demands to be seen, if only for its boldness and originality. It’s not a perfect film by any means, but it’s one that takes risks and refuses to play it safe.